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By Thokozani Mazibuko
In a move aimed at bolstering infrastructure and economic growth, the House of Assembly has approved loan bills worth over E11 billion within a span of just two days.
On Tuesday, the assembly green-lighted Loan Bill No. 7 of 2025, a E2.5 billion initiative from the African Development Bank, designated for the Eswatini Road Infrastructure Improvement Programme Phase 1
. The bill was presented by Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, with support from Mafutseni MP Sabelo Mtetwa, who emphasized its importance for enhancing the much-needed Siphofaneni-Siphambanweni Road.
This 105-kilometre stretch has garnered significant backing from legislators, reflecting a collective commitment to improving transport links.
Additionally, the assembly approved a substantial E5.2 billion loan for the construction of a Strategic Oil Reserve Facility, set to be located at Siphofaneni. This facility is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring energy security and enhancing the country’s resilience to supply disruptions.
The progress continued Monday, where three other loan bills were adopted, totaling over E4 billion. These bills aim to electrify all corners of Eswatini and resolve outstanding payments owed by the government to suppliers, reinforcing the legislative body’s dedication to uprooting infrastructural challenges.
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Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, present at the parliamentary session, praised the MPs for their dedication to improving the lives of EmaSwati and fostering economic development.
“If we don’t approve these loans, then what are we here for?” Dlamini remarked, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of such financial commitments.
Echoing this sentiment was Matsanjeni South MP Sabelo Ndlangamandla, who asserted, “Where there is peace, there is development, and when there is no peace, there is no development.”
The MPs displayed a rare unity of purpose, standing together to endorse the proposed loan bills, signifying a collective resolve to advance the nation’s developmental agenda.
It is worth mentioning that with these substantial approvals, Eswatini is poised to make significant strides in infrastructure development, setting the stage for enhanced economic growth and improved quality of life for its citizens.
The swift action taken by the House of Assembly underscores a proactive approach towards addressing the pressing needs of the nation, paving the way for a more prosperous future.
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It should be noted that as the country looks forward to the benefits these projects will bring, the ongoing collaboration between government, legislators, and international partners will be crucial in realizing the full potential of these investments.
